The Pokemon franchise has been going through a lot of changes of late. In addition to the launch of a new generation for the games in late 2022, fans can look forward to the next Pokemon anime series focused on Paldea. Although the new anime series is gearing up to be a fun exploration of the region featuring a completely new cast, it has many elements that seem like callbacks to past elements in the franchise. Even though Ash Ketchum and his adorable sidekick won't be around, there will be enough familiar aspects to keep longtime fans interested.
Most notably, there will be a new Pikachu making regular appearances, one that belongs to a Pokemon Professor. Team Rocket will also be around, and there has been mention of a strange Poke Ball, calling back to a plot the anime series has explored in prior seasons. Hopefully, the new series is capable of adequately balancing its new elements with attempts to kindle nostalgia.
Pikachu Returns in the Scarlet and Violet Anime Series
The Pokemon Sun and Moon season ended on an explosive note, as Ash finally won a tournament to become a Pokemon Champion. The achievement represents a huge milestone, and now after over a decade of traveling with Ash and Pikachu, The Pokemon Company will not be bringing back this iconic duo. Instead, the new series will feature Paldea native Liko, who is joined by her friend Roy.
Although Ash's specific Pikachu will not be returning, a new Pikachu features in the upcoming anime series. This particular take on the yellow rodent is named Captain Pikachu, belonging to a Pokemon professor named Friede. Captain Pikachu wears a white sailor hat and looks ready for action, but most importantly having another Pikachu will ensure that the anime series benefits from the series mascot's cuteness. As this Pikachu doesn't belong to Ash, it still allows the story to move forward in a unique direction.
Strange Poke Balls in the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Anime
The main storyline for the upcoming anime season has yet to be revealed, although the latest trailer does confirm a few vital details. Fans learn that Liko has an interesting blue pendant, while Roy wants to challenge Pokemon from all the world's legends, and he has a mysterious Poke Ball. Not much is known about the Poke Ball, or whether it is related to any current-gen phenomena such as Terastallization or Paradox Pokemon. However, it wouldn't be the first time the anime has explored a strange Poke Ball as one of its main gimmicks.
Most famously, in Pokemon: Adventures in the Orange Islands, Professor Ivy discovers the GS Ball. Ash is tasked with delivering this special Poke Ball to Professor Oak, but the professor is unable to do anything and fans didn't learn much more about the GS Ball even after Ash delivers it to Kurt the Poke Ball maker. This time around, hopefully fans get a more satisfying conclusion regarding Roy's Poke Ball.
The Pokemon anime series is expected to begin airing in Japan on April 14, and it will debut with an hour-long special. If nothing else, fans might want to look out for any clues regarding what players can expect from the upcoming Scarlet and Violet DLC, which will be coming in two parts this year. Though familiar protagonists like Ash won't be around, there will be elements to ensure the experience isn't too jarring for fans who have been around since the beginning.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now on Nintendo Switch.
